Leinster - Leonora
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Leinster - Leonora reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Leinster-Leonora's population is approximately 5,265 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 461 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,804. The population estimate of 5,240 from ABS in June 2024 and four additional validated addresses since the Census date contribute to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 0.00 persons per square kilometer. Leinster-Leonora's population growth rate of 9.6% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA4 region (7.6%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 72.7% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch employs growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population projections indicate an above median growth for regional areas nationally. Leinster-Leonora is expected to expand by 989 persons to 2041, with an overall increase of 18.3%.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Leinster - Leonora according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Leinster - Leonora has recorded approximately 7 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis: 37 homes over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with 0 so far in FY26. On average, 6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built during these years, indicating significant demand outpacing supply, which typically influences prices and competition among buyers. New homes are being constructed at an average value of $710,000, suggesting developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

This financial year has seen $19.7 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to Rest of WA, Leinster - Leonora has 12.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 26th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. New building activity consists of 62.0% detached houses and 38.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options across price brackets. This represents a shift from the area's current housing composition (87.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 636 people, reflecting its quiet development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Leinster - Leonora will gain 964 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Leinster - Leonora has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 1stth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 21 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Genesis Minerals Laverton Gold Project, Catalina Resources Laverton Project, Menzies and Laverton Gold Projects, and Laverton Hospital Redevelopment. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Leinster - Leonora faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Leinster-Leonora has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 11.6% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.7% over the past year.

As of this date, 2,367 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 8.4%, above Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%. Workforce participation was lower at 43.9% compared to Rest of WA's 59.4%. Leading employment industries among residents included mining, public administration & safety, and education & training. Mining showed particularly strong specialization with an employment share 3.8 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing had lower representation at 2.3% versus the regional average of 9.3%.

The area functioned as an employment hub with 1.6 workers per resident, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 5.7%, while labour force decreased by 3.1%, leading to a fall in unemployment by 7.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of WA recorded an employment growth of 1.1% and a decrease in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 indicated potential future demand within Leinster-Leonora. These projections estimated national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Leinster-Leonora's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 4.0% over five years and 10.4% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that income in Leinster - Leonora is higher than average nationally, with a median assessed at $60,471 and an average income of $69,857. This contrasts with Rest of WA's figures where the median income was $57,323 and the average was $71,163. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest approximately $67,492 (median) and $77,967 (average) as of March 2025. According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 67th percentile ($900 weekly), while household income sits at the 29th percentile. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 31.6% of the community (1,663 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 31.1%. Housing costs are manageable with 95.4% retained, however disposable income sits below average at the 42nd percentile.

Leinster - Leonora is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Leinster-Leonora's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 87.0% houses and 13.0% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 82.9% houses and 17.0% others. Home ownership in Leinster-Leonora was 14.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 6.0% and rented ones at 79.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $634, below Non-Metro WA's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Leinster-Leonora was $70, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Leinster-Leonora's mortgage repayments were lower at $634 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $70 against the national figure of $375.

Leinster - Leonora features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 68.0% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 15.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 32.0%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 1.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is larger than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

Leinster - Leonora faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 33.2%. Educational participation is high at 39.1%, including 19.0% in primary education, 11.0% in secondary education, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

There are 15 schools serving 684 students across Leinster-Leonora, with varied educational conditions. The educational mix includes one primary school and 14 K-12 schools. School places per 100 residents (13.0) fall below the regional average (17.6), indicating some students may attend schools in nearby areas. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Leinster - Leonora's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Leinster - Leonora, with younger cohorts particularly seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was found to be high at approximately 54% of the total population (about 2,864 people), compared to 62.3% across the Rest of WA.

The most common medical conditions in the area were diabetes and asthma, impacting 7.2 and 6.3% of residents respectively, while 77.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.9% across the Rest of WA. The area has 7.7% of residents aged 65 and over (407 people), which is lower than the 9.2% in the Rest of WA.

Leinster - Leonora was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Leinster-Leonora had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 17.5% of its population born overseas and 45.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Leinster-Leonora, comprising 41.4%. Notably, the 'Other' category made up 5.5%, higher than Rest of WA's 1.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian Aboriginal was highest at 38.1% (compared to regional average of 8.6%), followed by English at 19.2% (lower than regional average of 25.8%) and Australian at 15.8% (also lower than regional average). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori was 2.0% (vs regional 3.3%), New Zealand was 1.1% (vs regional 1.5%), and Samoan was 0.4% (matching regional figure).

Leinster - Leonora's population is younger than the national pattern

Leinster - Leonora has a median age of 34, which is younger than the Rest of WA's figure of 40 and below Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 24.2% of its population, higher than the Rest of WA's percentage and significantly above the national average of 14.5%. In contrast, the 75-84 age group is less prevalent at 1.2%. Since 2021, the 25-34 age group has grown from 21.0% to 24.2%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 4.8% to 6.4%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 10.2% to 8.4% and the 15-24 group dropped from 13.6% to 11.9%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Leinster - Leonora's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 26%, reaching 1,614 people from its current total of 1,276. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 5-14 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.